DIY Pumpkin Spice: Step Shots

There are so many ways to use your pumpkin spice mix! We love sprinkling it on buttered toast, pancakes, waffles, or crepes; stirring it into warm oatmeal just before serving; adding it to applesauce; mixing it into buttered popcorn . . . the possibilities are endless!

Food for Thought

Three Ways to Use Pumpkin Spice Mix

In medium bowl, use rubber spatula to stir butter and spice mix until well combined.

Pumpkin Spice Hot Apple Cider

A warm mug of this apple cider is a treat on a chilly day.

1 cup apple cider

1½ teaspoons pumpkin spice mix

Combine apple cider and spice mix in microwave-safe bowl. Heat in microwave until hot and steaming, about 2 minutes. Use oven mitts to carefully remove bowl from microwave (ask an adult for help). Whisk well to combine. Pour hot cider into mug. Serve.

Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese

Spread this flavored cream cheese on bagels or toast—it’s great on cinnamon swirl bread!

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 tablespoon pumpkin spice mix

In medium bowl, use rubber spatula to stir cream cheese and spice mix until well combined.

But Where’s the Pumpkin?

Did you ever wonder how “pumpkin spice” flavoring got its name, especially since it doesn’t contain any . . . pumpkin?

The flavor of “pumpkin spice” is a sweeter version of the spices you often find in—surprise!—pumpkin pie: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and sometimes clove. Pumpkin itself doesn’t have a very strong flavor. It tastes similar to other winter squashes, such as butternut squash or acorn squash.